How can hepatitis B virus be transmitted?

Transmission can occur through sexual contact, sharing needles or other injection equipment, unsterile equipment used for tattoos or piercings, accidental needlestick injuries, or contact between infected blood and broken skin. A person with hepatitis B can also pass the virus to a baby around childbirth. The virus may be present even when the infected person has no symptoms.

Hepatitis B is not spread by ordinary social contact such as hugging, sharing a meal, coughing or sitting nearby. It is also not spread simply because someone has fatigue or dark urine; those symptoms need separate assessment.

Do not share needles, razors, toothbrushes or blood-contaminated personal items. Use qualified providers for tattoos, piercings and medical procedures, and make sure equipment is sterile. Use condoms until a clinician confirms that a partner is protected. Cover cuts and clean blood spills safely.

Hepatitis B Vaccination is a key way to prevent infection. Household members, sexual partners and people with a possible exposure should ask a clinician about testing and vaccination. After a recent exposure, seek advice quickly because preventive care can depend on timing.

Contact a healthcare professional promptly after a needlestick, shared needle, unprotected sexual exposure or blood contact with broken skin. Seek urgent care for severe weakness, confusion, repeated vomiting, yellow skin or eyes, dark urine with worsening illness, or unusual bleeding.

Ask whether your exposure needs testing or preventive treatment, whether your partner or household members need vaccination, and when results should be repeated. You can also ask which signs should prompt urgent review and whether a Liver Function Test is appropriate.